Investing in the UK as a US Expat

Financial Planning for
US Expats

More than 200,000 Americans live in the UK, and most hit the same wall when they try to invest. UK funds trigger punishing US tax, many UK platforms refuse US clients outright and most advisers will not take you on,
That's why we have created Aventur US – We design wealth strategies with the tailored technical expertise you need to have a first class wealth management strategy, regardless of how much you have to invest.

explore how we help us expats

Investing in the UK as
a US expat

Investing as a US expat in the UK is challenging because two tax systems apply to you at once. The US taxes you on citizenship, the UK on residence, and each penalises the investments the other favours.

The IRS treats most UK funds, including those inside ISAs, as PFICs and taxes them punitively. US funds without HMRC reporting status are taxed by HMRC as income at up to 45% rather than as capital gains.

Aventur helps to create a solid strategy that allows you to continue planning for your future, the alternative is to do nothing.

Overcome Investment Restrictions

US tax rules punish most UK funds in American hands, and UK rules block the US funds that would solve it. Aventur puts into place the right investment strategy for you.

Co-ordinated Tax Planning

We don't give US tax advice, we design the strategy, then work directly with a US/UK tax specialist so your filings match your plan. We make sure you have experts on your corner that can help you navigate the complex tax environment.

Perfect your Financial Plans

Whilst you have slightly different investment requirements to most UK clients, it does not mean that you should not have a full and comprehensive financial plan. It is important to not let 'the tail wag the dog' and to have a portfolio without a full plan.

Manage Currency Risks

Your future has a home currency, even if you are not yet sure which one. We build the portfolio around that answer, and plan for the USD/GBP swings that can create taxable US gains on their own. Aventur helps you manage these risks effectively.

Property Planning

The UK exempts your main home from capital gains tax. The US does not: it excludes only the first $250,000 of gain, or $500,000 for a couple filing jointly, and currency movement can create a taxable US gain on a property. Aventur offers guidance on navigating these tax implications.

Protect Your Estate

UK inheritance tax takes 40% above the allowances, US estate tax reaches worldwide assets, and from 6th April 2027 most unused UK pensions join the UK IHT net. Aventur provides careful, ongoing planning to navigate these challenges effectively in conjunction with relevant experts.

ISAs for US Expats

You can hold an ISA as a US citizen, but the IRS does not recognise the wrapper: everything inside it stays taxable on your US return, and the UK funds most ISAs hold are PFICs.
You can hold individual shares and bonds rather than funds within the ISA.

UK pensions for US Expats

The US/UK tax treaty generally protects pension; growth is tax deferred in both systems, and pension investments often sit outside the PFIC rules. This depends on the pension you use and confirmation from your tax specialist.
Contributions attract UK tax relief on up to £60,000 a year (or 100% of UK earnings if lower). US reporting still applies, so we coordinate the detail with your tax adviser before anything is implemented.

401(k)s and IRAs

US retirement accounts remain treaty protected while you live in the UK,.
A Roth IRA deserves particular care, with the right treaty election it grows and can be withdrawn tax free in both countries.

Who we work with

US citizens living in the UK. Green card holders. Accidental Americans who have never lived in the States. British American couples planning across two passports.

British citizens who are now back home after years in the US with a 401(k) they are unsure what to do with.

If any of these personal circumstances apply to you, then our service has been built specifically for you.

Speak to a US/UK Specialist

If you are a US-connected individual who wants support in navigating these financial complexities, then get in touch for a free, no-obligation consultation with our US expat specialists.

Financial Planning for
US Expats